Alaska’s Brightest Stars Shine at Gala

The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa rolled out the red carpet March 25 and downtown Anchorage was lit up thanks to the hospitality industry’s brightest stars.

High society and high standards intermingled in the Howard Rock Ballroom as the Alaska Hotel and Lodging Association hosted its annual gala to celebrate some of the state’s hardest working people. More than 250 revelers filled the room to cheer on the winners of the Stars of the Industry awards gala.

Staybridge Suites Anchorage won Property of the Year honors for hotels with more than 150 rooms, while Hyatt House pulled down the same honor for hotels with less than 150 rooms. WCP Solutions won Allied Member of the Year, while the Sheraton’s own Tracy Morgan earned the coveted Spirit of Hospitality award. The final award of the evening went to Rising Star Pahoua Chang of Staybridge Suites Anchorage. Click here for a complete list of results.

Well-coiffed attendees dressed to the nines noshed on delectable braised short ribs and garlic potatoes, and an amazing pair of desserts rounded out the tasty meal. But the sweetest part of the evening was watching the reaction on the winners’ faces as they made their way to the stage to receive their respective awards. With more than 120 nominations across some 30 categories ranging from Best Kitchen Employee to Property of the Year, 35 of the very best in the hospitality industry were celebrated.

In addition to honoring the award winners, Stars sponsors donated generously to nearly 20 raffle baskets ranging from a Playstation package, a BBQ grill and accessories and a travel-themed suitcase filled with more than $6,000 worth of room stays, adventures and gift cards. The evening was peppered with shouts of joy as yet another raffle basket winner was announced.

The Stars of the Industry awards program was created to honor and celebrate outstanding service and achievements in the hospitality industry. It recognizes employees, managers, properties and businesses that best symbolize the highest quality service of the industry. All nominees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities with outstanding or unusual service to the property, guests, costumers or community. This is the 23rd year for the Stars of the Industry awards.